The Beginners Guide to Horse Care
So you've bought a horse and brought him home, now what?! Most new horse people get excited and make the big purchase, only to realize there are a lot of little things they didn't even know they needed. We've put together this little guide that should give you all the basics of what you need to know to get started!
First thing you need, if you have not already, is a good halter. I recommend a decent quality flat nylon halter with buckles for the older horses; especially if you're just starting out in the horse world. They are easier for you to use, and will last a really long time. If you are buying a younger horse, the Silvertip Training Rope Halter is a really good choice. This halter has small knots placed across the nose, and is a great training aide when teaching younger or more pushy horses their manners.
Now one of the most important questions we need to answer next, is what kind of feed was the horse already eating. This is so important it may need to move up to the #1 spot. It is very important not to change a horse's diet too fast. This can cause colic or sickness, which we will cover later in this guide. You're also going to make sure you have some type of feed bucket that you can hang from a post, or a feeder in the barn. It is always best to hang your feeders and not leave them on the ground. Your water bucket should stay clean and filled. Now, I do not scrub them with clorox everyday or anything, but you want to make sure the water appears clean & clear.